Chapter 3. Methods: Communicating with Objects

[Page 103]

OBJECTIVES

After studying this chapter, you will

• Understand the role that methods play in an object-oriented program.

• Know how to use parameters and arguments to pass data to an object.

• Understand how constructor methods are used to instantiate objects.

• Know the difference between passing a value and passing a reference to an object.

• Be able to design your own methods.

• Know how to use the if-else and while control structures.

OUTLINE

3.1	Introduction
3.2	Passing Information to an Object
3.3	Constructor Methods
3.4	Retrieving Information from an Object
3.5	Passing a Value and Passing a Reference
3.6	Flow of Control: Control Structures
3.7	Testing an Improved OneRowNim
	Intelligent Agents
3.8	From the Java Library: java.lang.Object
3.9	Object-Oriented Design: Inheritance and Polymorphism
3.10	Drawing Lines and Defining Graphical Methods (Optional)
	Chapter Summary
	Solutions to Self-Study Exercises
	Exercises